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An extensive range of actions is under way or planned in the key priorities of cancer, heart disease and mental health which will assist in reducing waiting at every stage of the patient's journey through the NHS.Cancer in Scotland: Action for change, which was published in early July together with a significant new investment of £40 million dedicated to improving cancer care, set out a comprehensive range of measures designed to provide swifter, better diagnosis, treatment and care. The report is available on the Scottish Health On the Web (SHOW) website - www.show.scot.nhs.ukThe CHD/Stroke Task Force Report, which was issued for consultation on 11 September, includes a number of recommendations which will assist further in ensuring the provision of speedy, high quality diagnosis and treatment across Scotland. This report is also available on SHOW.The Executive is tackling access and improvement issues in mental health through record investment. Last year, £520 million was invested in services both in hospital and in the community, a 9% increase on the previous year. This investment is targeted on providing better, more responsive mental health care.

The disposal of business within sittings of the High Court of Justiciary is reviewed each month on the basis of the available figures.The efficiency of disposal of cases at the High Court has additionally been the subject of a specific joint review by officials of the Justice Department of the Scottish Executive and of the Crown Office. Consideration is presently being given to the optimum way of conducting a more comprehensive review of High Court business.

This information is not readily available.However, in the year to 31 August 2001, the planned programme of five courts at the High Court in Glasgow and two courts at the High Court in Edinburgh has been supplemented by the regular use of additional courts as and when required by the Crown. The programme for the year 2002 provides for two courts at Glasgow and three at Edinburgh, throughout the year.

The user group is primarily concerned with the management of sittings of the High Court in Glasgow. It provides for an exchange of views among users, some of whom are Scottish Executive officials. But there is no direct discussion between the group on the one hand and say justiciary on the other.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18279.

Guidance on Safety in Outdoor Activity Centres was issued to local authorities and independent schools by the Scottish Office Education Department in October 1994. While aimed primarily at safety in outdoor activity centres it was made clear that the guidance was also relevant when planning visits to centres which provide other educationally related activities away from normal school premises.

It is the responsibility of local authorities, as employers, to ensure that a wide range of continuing professional development opportunities are available for teachers.

This should include a range of activities that ensures teachers are well equipped to fulfil their responsibilities, outside the school environment as well as within it.

It is for the local authorities and schools to ensure that appropriate steps are taken for the arrangement and oversight of school trips taking account of guidance which is available and previous experience in this area.

I shall, however, continue to review whether there is a need to update existing guidance, or further promote best practice.

It has not been suggested to us that there is a lack of clarity in Scotland concerning the legal duties to children and parents, of schools and local authorities in respect of school trips. This has not, therefore, been under specific review.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18279.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18279.

Steady progress is being made in this area. The websites of the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health - www.show.scot.nhs.uk/scieh and the Health Education Board for Scotland - www.hebs.com are both used for this purpose.

In addition, one of the key aims of the Public Health Institute of Scotland is to create an expanded evidence base for public health in Scotland to support policy and practice. This evidence base, when created, will appear on the PHIS website - www.show.scot.nhs.uk/phis.

This is a matter for the Health and Safety Executive.